180. Breaking Barriers: A Young Lawyer's Quest for Trial Experience and Fulfillment

In this podcast episode, host Gary interviews Sharif Gray, a personal injury attorney from Virginia, who shares his path from VMI valedictorian to law school, military service, and his current legal practice. Gray discusses the influence of his godfather and the film "A Few Good Men" on his career choice, his dedication to helping people through personal injury law, and the significance of a major case victory. He also talks about the challenges young lawyers face, including gaining trial experience and managing student debt, while emphasizing the importance of passion and authenticity in the legal field. Gray reflects on the personal fulfillment he derives from making a difference in clients' lives and the freedom that comes with running his own practice.

First Major Jury Verdict (00:15:31) Sharif's million and a half dollar trip and fall case, the intentional framing of the case, and the confidence gained from the successful trial.

Keys to Being an Excellent Plaintiff's Trial Attorney (00:17:33) The importance of framing the case, capitalizing on defense missteps, and positioning the plaintiff as a victim of the defendant's actions.

Building a Practice and Developing Business (00:19:38) Sharif's diverse strategies for business development, including referrals, digital presence, networking, and creating a broad net for opportunities.

Challenges faced by young lawyers (00:21:48) Sharif Gray discusses the financial burden of law school debt and the limited options for gaining trial experience as a young lawyer.

Sharif is a trial lawyer and a partner at Blackburn, Conte, Schilling & Click. He tried cases as a United States Army JAG Officer and as a Drug and Vice Prosecutor, served as a Federal Judicial Law Clerk at a trial court, and now takes cases to trial as a personal injury and criminal defense lawyer. There is nothing more professionally exciting for Sharif than preparing for and going to trial. And there is no greater privilege for Sharif than getting results for his clients.

 Sharif cares deeply about his work and the people he represents. His record is evidence of this: in the Army, he successfully defended hundreds of soldiers at trial, in adverse administrative proceedings, and under investigation; as a prosecutor, he pursued justice for victims and earned a reputation among judges and defense attorneys for being persuasive and fair; and as a personal injury lawyer, he has won millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements.

 Sharif graduated valedictorian and as a distinguished military graduate from the Virginia Military Institute. Among other honors, his class elected him to serve as a prosecutor on VMI’s Honor Court, where he prosecuted honor offenses and first discovered his love for trial work.

 Sharif received his law degree from the University of Virginia. During law school, he served on the Virginia Journal of Criminal Law’s Managing Board; led an Army Reserve Drill Sergeant Unit; and clerked for the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia, the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office, and the United States Solicitor General’s Office.

 Sharif earned his masters of law degree in trial advocacy from the Temple University Beasley School of Law, which has consistently been ranked as the nation’s top trial training program for more than twenty years.

 Sharif also graduated from the Gerry Spence Method — the premier training for trial lawyers who represent people.

 Away from work, Sharif enjoys spending time with his wife and son, learning songs on his acoustic guitar, playing on a kickball team, and working out each morning at a CrossFit gym.

 Sharif also operates RVA Personal Injury Lawyers and UCMJ Trial Lawyers, and he co-hosts the RVA Trial Lawyers Podcast.

Would you like to learn more about Breaking Free or order your own copy? https://www.garymiles.net/break-free